Setting and fishing tool

ABSTRACT

A tool to be used in wells, lakes, holes, bores, or other locations, to recover objects or to place objects therein, consisting of a housing containing a slidable stem member attached to a supporting cable extending through a top opening of the housing. The stem member is connected by a flexible loop to the wall portion of the housing and a grasping jaw pivoted to the opposite wall portion of the housing arranged to cause the jaw to exert a grasping action on an object in the housing when the supporting cable is pulled upwardly. The bottom portion of the housing has a pivoted object-engaging centering claw which guides an object (as in the bottom of a well) into a position to be grasped by the grasping jaw. A latch assembly is provided to at times limit the stem member to a position wherein the grasping jaw is in a released condition to allow the tool to be withdrawn free of the object (as in a bore or well) and also to allow the tool to be lowered into the bore or well in a condition such that the grasping jaw can be subsequently operated, or at times to allow the tool to grasp and hold an object while the tool is lowered or raised to a desired position, where the stem member is positioned so as to release the object, allowing the tool to be withdrawn free of the object, thereby accomplishing a setting or placement of the object.

[111 3,807,785 Apr. 30, 1974 United States Patent [191 McNatt SETTING AND FISHING TOOL [57] ABSTRACT A tool to be used in wells, lakes, holes, bores, or other locations, to recover objects or to place objects therein, consisting of a housing containing a slidable stem member attached to a supporting cable extending through a top opening of the housing. The stem [22] Filed:

member is connected by a flexible loop to the wall portion of the housing and a grasping jaw pivoted to 294/8613 294/861 294/8629 the opposite wall portion of the housing arranged to [51] Int. Cause the j to exert a action on an Object in the housing when the supporting cable is pulled upwardly. The bottom portion of the housing has a pivoted object-engaging centering claw which guides an object (as in the bottom of a well) into a position to be grasped by the grasping jaw. A latch assembly is BE 6 6 8 3 HM. ,6 6 6 1 %D 6.2M3 8626 M 1 U 004 0 21 m6 h N ,2 mfiw ,O. t. 100R M2 d90 H F l 00 5 [56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS provided to at times limit the stem member to a position wherein the grasping jaw is in a released condi- 294/86.2 tion to allow the tool to be withdrawn free of the ob- 294/862 X ject (as in a bore or well) and also to allow the tool to 294/3613 be lowered into the bore or well in a condition such 294/3627 that the grasping jaw can be subsequently operated, or 332 i at times to allow the tool to grasp and hold an object while the tool is lowered or raised to a desired position, where the stem member is positioned so as to release the object, allowing the tool to be withdrawn free of the object, thereby accomplishing a setting or placement of the object.

'Bozeman Jones Anderson...

Hinderliter......

Young Hinderliter...... Holland Primary ExaminerRichard E. Aegerter Assistant Examiner.lohnny D. Cherry Attorney, Agent, or FirmBerman, Bishoff & Platt 16 Claims, 15 Drawing Figures PATENTEUAPR 30 1914 SHEET 2 BF 3 u 9 W M440,

SETTING AND FISHING TOOL This invention relates to setting and fishing tools adapted to be used in wells, bores, holes or the like, to recover objects therefrom or to place objects therein, and more particularly, to a tool of the type employing a single supporting cable for lowering the tool into a well, bore, hole, or the like, for retrieving the tool therefrom, the cable being employed to operate the tool from the ground surface.

A main object of the invention is to provide a novel and improved setting and fishing tool for use in oil or water wells or similar locations, the tool being relatively simple in construction, being easy to operate and providing a positive grasping action when employed for retrieving an object from a well or bore and being arranged to provide positive release of an object to allow the tool to be withdrawn from the well or bore when desired.

A further object of the invention is to provide an improved setting and fishing tool for use in a well or bore, the tool employing a single cable for lowering or raising the tool and for operating the tool, the tool being releasable at will from the ground surface, being engagable with various types of elongated or other shaped objects lying in a bottom ofa well or bore and which is designed to orient the object to a proper position for grasping by the tool, even where the bottom of the well or bore is enlarged so that the object has a portion thereof extending beyond the normal circumference of the well or bore such as where the object has fallen or been moved into a cavern or enlargement at the bottom ofthe well or bore, as is often the casein open hole drilling.

A still further object of the invention is to provide an improved setting and fishing tool for use in a well, bore, or hole, the lower portion of the tool being expansible so that it will expand to fish in an enlarged bore and contract to reenter the bore casing when the tool is lifted upwardly or to contract to enter a reduced hole when the tool is being lowered, the tool having relatively few moving parts, being light in weight, and being easily moved from place to place, being inexpensive to fabricate, use and maintain, being highly durable and being applicable for use in or under water or in other locations which are ordinarily relatively inaccessible.

A still further object of the invention is to provide an improved fishing and setting tool for use in a well, bore, or hole, the tool being adapted to pick up objects of widely varying sizes, shapes and lengths without requiring the tool to be-modified; the tool being of sufficient weight so that it can be vibrated or jarred, as required; the tool having means providing a releasing action to enable it to be withdrawn from a well or bore if an object is found to be stuck or immovable; the tool being useful for installing a wide range of objects in a well, bore or hole, such as pumps, pipe, instruments, explosives or other items desired to be lowered into a well, bore. pit, lake or other hole, the tool allowing the operator to lower the objects gently if required, or quickly if needed, into a hole, and to release them at will when properly set.

A still further object of the invention is to provide an improved fishing or setting tool to be used in a well, bore or hole, the tool being relatively free of exposed, jutting or other obstructing parts so that the tool will not be readily jammed or wedged in open holes or in casings, the tool being so arranged that if an unwanted item is picked up, or if the item cannot be removed, the tool can be readily released from the item and pulled free from the well or bore.

A still further object of the invention is to provide an improved fishing and setting tool for use in a well, bore or hole, the tool having an effective and positive gripping action on an item picked up as long as tension is held on its actuating and supporting cable, the tool being adapted to be operated with a drilling rig or independently of a drilling rig, and being adapted to be operated even without a mast'in some instances, or to be operated by a drill cable, bailer line, casing line, or other line, if desired.

A still further object of the invention is to provide a tool for use at ground surface having an effective and positive gripping action on an object to be lifted and moved from one .place to another, and being arranged to provide a positive release of the object at a desired location, either above ground, on the ground surface, or below the ground surface, operable by a single cable, and at times utilizing a mast or boom as required for proper placement of the object.

Further objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description and claims, and from the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a fragmentary side elevational view of an improved fishing and setting tool according to the present invention, diagrammatically illustrating how the tool is lowered into a well or bore in a position to recover an object in the bottom of a well or bore.

FIG. 2 is a front elevational view of the tool shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3A is an enlarged vertical cross-sectional view taken through the upper portion of the tool substantially on the line 3A3A of FIG. 2, with the stem element of the tool in lowermost position in the tool hous- FIG. 3B is a fragmentary vertical cross-sectional view, similar to FIG. 3A, but taken substantially on line 3B3B of FIG. 2.

' FIG. 3C is an enlarged vertical cross-sectional view similar to FIGS. 3A and 3B, but taken substantially on line 3C-3C of FIG. 2.

FIG. 4A is a fragmentary vertical cross-sectional view generally similar to FIG. 3B, but showing the stem element of the tool elevated to provide an object-gripping action. I

FIG. 4B is a vertical cross-sectional view of the structure shown in FIG. 3C, but showing the gripping jaw in gripping position.

FIG. 5 is a horizontal cross-sectional view taken sub stantially on line 5-5 of FIG. 3A.

FIG. 6 is a horizontal cross-sectional view taken substantially on line 6-6 of FIG. 4A.

FIG. 7 is a horizontal cross-sectional view taken substantially on line 7-7 of FIG. 3C.

FIG. 8 is a horizontal cross-sectional view taken substantially on line 88 of FIG. 4A.

FIG. 9 is a fragmentary vertical cross-sectional view taken substantially on line 9--9 of FIG. 4A, but showing the stern member of the tool lowered to a position wherein the tool is in a non-gripping condition to allow the tool to be withdrawn free of an object in the well or bore in which it is inserted.

FIG. 9A is a horizontal cross-sectional view taken substantially on the line 9A9A of FIG. 9.

FIG. 10 is a fragmentary somewhat enlarged vertical cross-sectional view taken substantially on the line 10-10 of FIG. 4A.

FIG. 11 is a somewhat enlarged fragmentary vertical cross-sectional view taken substantially on line 11-11 of FIG. 4A.

A primary purpose of the present invention is to provide a setting and fishing tool of the type employed for setting or recovering pipes, rods, bits, pumps, test instruments, and the like into or from oil wells, pits, water wells, bodies of water, mine shafts, or other holes or caverns, or for hoisting or lowering objects from a height above ground level to ground level, and the like, or from, on, or above ground level to some other location or level. The setting and fishing tool is provided with grappling means and is operable by a single-cable from the ground surface, when employed in a well or bore, and is arranged to firmly and positively engage and grip an item in the bottom or other portion of a well or bore and to release the item if so desired. The tool is applicable for use in or under water, and when used in a bore, it is designed to guide itself to slip behind the upper end of an item resting in the bottom of the well or bore, for example, wherein the item leans against the casing or against the wall of the well or bore, and the tool is further designed to move and center the item and grasp same even where the item extends beyond the normal circumference of the well or bore. The tool is applicable for recovering lost items in the bottom of lakes, shallow seas, and the like, and is designed so that it may be released if an unwanted or immovable item is grasped thereby. The tool is operated by a single cable and can be made in various sizes and shapes with various attachments and can be used with various cranes, booms, or derricks, for use in loading, unloading, lifting, hoisting, setting and the like, on, above, or below'ground level, and is highly effective for such applications since it is easily and quickly releasable.

Referring to the drawings, 12 generally designates an improved setting and fishing tool in accordance with the present invention. The tool 12 comprises a tubular housing 13 having an upwardly tapering smoothly curved top end portion 14 formed with a central aperture in which is mounted a guide sleeve 15 which slidably receives a supporting and operating cable 17. Designated at 18 is a rod-like stem member which extends axially through the housing 13 and which is provided at its bottom end portion with four equally spaced radially extending guide vanes 19 which are generally rectangular in shape and whose outer edges are slidably engagable with the inside surface of the housing 13 to provide a centering action for the lower portion of the stem member 18. a

The top end of the stem member 18 is provided with a supporting loop 20, and the cable 17 extends through an aperture in the top of the supporting loop 20 and is provided with an anchoring collar 21 received in the loop 20 and serving to transmit the weight of the stem member 18 to the cable 17 and to allow a swivel action of the tool, as is clearly shown in FIG. 3A, thus providing a supporting, swiveling and operating connection of cable 17 to stem member 18. The side arms of loop 2 0 merge respectively with downwardly flaring generally triangular supporting fins 22, 22 which extend downwardly from the opposite sides of the top end of stem member 18 and which are at times supportingly engagable on diametrically opposite horizontal flange members 23, 23 provided in housing 13, as shown in FIG. 3A, for a purpose presently to be described.

The housing 13 is opened out at the bottom end and has a beveled bottom edge 24 and is notched out at 25 and cut away to define a pair of opposite side lug elements 26, 26 at the upper end of the beveled bottom edge24, the lug elements being spaced apart in the manner illustrated in FIG. 2. Thus, respective hook-like opposing side members 27, 27 are defined at the bottom end of housing 13.

As shown in FIG. 4B, the housing 13 may be provided with the separable lower section 28 connected to the main portion of the housing 13 at 29, the lower section having the hook-like elements 27, 27, previously described. The housing is also preferably made-separable at 101 so that the upper portion of the apparatus may be used with other tools or apparatus different from that illustrated and described as being contained in the housing below the joint 101.

Above the lug elements 26, 26, the lower portion of the housing, namely, the lower section 28, is formed with a vertical slot 31 which is essentially centered between the lugs 26, 26. Pivoted in the slot 31 by a transverse pin 32 is a centering claw member 33 which is provided with a pair of downwardly diverging finger elements 34, 34 inclined downwardly and inwardly and having beveled bottom edge portions 35 which are at times movable into edge engagement with the corresponding straight edge portions 36 provided on the hook elements 27, in the manner illustrated, for example, in FIG. 3C. Under these conditions, the top portions of the finger elements 34, 34 and their junction project outwardly from the normal cylindrical contour of the housing 13, as is illustrated in FIG. 3C, to facilitate the guiding and centering action of the objectengaging claw member with an object 37 resting in an inclined position in the enlarged lower portion of a bore 38- in whichthe tool is inserted, as will be presently described.

The shank portion of claw '33 is'pivotally connected in the slot 31 by the transverse pin 32, as abovedescribed, and is formed at its upper end, above the pin 32 with a transverse groove 39 in which is received a transversely extending elastic band40 having its ends secured. to the inside wall surface of section 28 on opposite sides of the slot 31, whereby the elastic band 40 exerts a biasing action on the claw member 33 so as to bias it toward a position wherein the finger edge portions 35 are urged into abutment with the hook edge portions 36 in the manner above-described. In this position, the V-portion" between the upper end portions of the fingers 36 can overlie an object 37 and can rotate or push the object into a more vertical position, namely, can guide the object into the housing section 28 responsive to downward lowering movement of the tool. Thus, if the object 37 is a piece of pipe or other round object, the junction of the fingers 34, 34 exerts camming action on the object 37 to cause it to be received within the section 28 and the portion of housing 13 thereabove as the tool continues to be lowered.

Because of the yielding action of the biasing elastic band member 40, the claw member 33 can rotate to a position such as that shown in FIG. 48 to allow the tool to be lowered through the normal portion of a bore 38 and thereafter allow the claw 33 to extend outwadly in the manner shown in FIG. 3C as it reaches a cavernous or enlarged portion of the bore, for example, the enlarged portion shown in dotted view in FIG. 3C in which an object 37 may be resting.

Pivoted in the upper portion of housing section 28, for example, in the top end of slot 31, upwardly adjacent the claw member 33, is an upwardly extending grasping jaw 41. The jaw 41 is provided with a pivot lug 42 which is received in the top end of slot 31 and which is pivotally connected to section 28 by a transverse pivot pin 43 secured in said top end of the slot, as shown in FIGS. 3C and 4B. The grasping jaw 41 is of horizontally arcuate cross-sectional shape to conform generally with the inside cylindrical shape of housing member 13 and is formed with inwardly facing horizontal gripping serrations 44 which are concave inwardly, the serrations being directed generally upwardly, as is clearly shown in FIGS. 3C and 4B. The opposite portions of the inside bore surfaces of the main housing member 13 and its lower section 28 are formed with similar upwardly directed transversely extending serrations 45 with a top limit stop lug 90, cooperable with the serrations 44 to grasp an object therebetween, for example, in the mannershown in FIG. 43, when the grasping jaw 41 is rotated from the position thereof shown in FIG. 3C to the position shown in FIG. 4B.

The bottom end of the stem member 18 is provided with a slot 46 in which is secured a transverse shaft 47 on which is rotatably mounted a roller 48. The top end of the grasping jaw 41 is similarly formed with a slot 49 in which is secured a transverse shaft 50 on which is rotatably mounted a roller 51. Opposite the roller 51, the inner wall surface of housing member 13 is provided with a pair of spaced roller-supporting lugs 52 to which is secured a transverse pivot shaft 53 on which is rotatably mounted a roller 54. An endless flexible loop member 55 extends through the slots 46 and 49 and around the roller 51 between the roller-supporting lug 52, said loop member 55 being engagable around the roller 48, 51 and 54 to transmit pulling force on the top end of the grasping jaw member 41 when the loop member-55 is placed in tension, for example, when the stem member 18 is pulled upwardly relative to the housing member 13 in the manner illustrated in FIGS. 4A and 4B. Thus, when the stem member 18 in its lowered position relative to housing member 13, as illustrated in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the loop member 55 is in a slack condition and no positive pulling force acts on grasping jaw member 41, allowing free movement of the grasping jaw member. The grasping jaw member 41 can then lie against the inside wall surface of the housing in the manner illustrated, for example, in FIG. 3C, but is free-to move from the position thereof shown in FIG. 3C by gravity. Under these conditions, when the housing member is lowered to cause an object 37 to be moved to a more upright position and to be received in the housing member and is then further lowered to allow the top end of the object 37 to pass between the grasping jaw member 41 and the serrations 45, an upward pull exerted on the stemmember 18 will cause the grasping jaw member 41 to exert a grasping action on the top portion of the object 37 in the manner shown in FIG. 4B. The object is thus gripped between the opposing serrations 44 and 45 and can be thereafter lifted out of the bore 38 by raising the tooltherefrom. Thus, in retrieving an object 37 employing the structure thus far described, the tool is lowered into the bore until it substantially reaches the bottom and the claw member 33 is engaged with the object in the manner abovedescribed to move the object into a more upright position so that its top portion can be received between the grasping jaw 41 and the serrations 45, the stem member 18 being allowed to descend relative to the housing member 13 until the vanes 22, 22 engage on the supporting flanges 23, 23, thus limiting further downward relative movement of stem member 18 with respect to housing member 13. Thereafter, the cable 17 is pulled upwardly, causing the grasping jaw 41 to be pulled to the grasping position thereof shown in FIG. 48, by placing the endless flexible loop in tension, as above-described, after which the tool is elevated by means of the cable 17, raising the tool and the object 37 thereby upwardly through the bore 38 to the ground surface.

If the object should be immovable or become jammed in the bore while it is being raised, or if it is desired to disengage the tool for any other reason during the operation thereof, a means is provided for releasing the tool from the object.

Secured in the housing member 13 immediately beneath the flanges 23, 23 are a first pair of opposing horizontal guide plates 60, spanning the flanges 23, 23 and located on opposite sides of the stem member 18, as shown in FIG. 6. A similar pair of horizontal plates 61 are secured in the housing 13 below the plates 60, 60 and are spaced therebelow to define therebetween a guide space in which a pair of latch plates 62, 62 are slidably mounted. The latch plates 62, 62 are connected at their inner edges by a pair of biasing springs 63, 63 whereby said latch plates are biased toward each other and toward engagement .with the opposite surfaces of the square stem member 18, as shown in FIG. 6. The plates 60, 60 are provided with pivot lugs 64 located on opposite sides of the stem member 18, and pivoted in said lugs are respective upwardly extending latch arms 65, 65 which are biased downwardly by gravity and which may engage in opposite slots 66, 66 provided in the plates 60, 60 and which may be held against such engagement by rectangular vanes 67, 67 provided on the stem member 18. Thus, when the stem member 18 is in upward pulling position, such as that shown in FIG. 4A, the vanes 67, 67 engage the arms 65 and hold them elevated, as shown in FIG. 1 l. The stem member 18 is provided a short distance above the vanes 67, 67 with a pair of oppositely directed downwardly tapering generally triangular locking lugs 70, 70 which may lockingly engage beneath the latch plates 62, 62 in the manner illustrated in FIG. 9. This occurs when the stem member 18 is allowed to descend relative to the housing member 13, whereby the stem member 18 is thereafter prevented from placing the endless loop member 55 in tension, and whereby the grasping jaw 41 cannot exert gripping action. Thus, if an object becomes jammed in the bore while being raised, or found to be immovable, and it is desired to disengage the tool therefrom, the cable 17 is lowered sufficiently to allow the lugs 70, 70 to pass beneath the latching plates 62, 62 into the position thereof shown in FIG; 9, after which the tool can be raised free of the object, since the object is no longer grasped between the serrations 44, 45.

Means are provided for thereafter repeating an attempt to raise the object. Said means comprises a pair of triangular vanes 80, 80 provided on the stem member 18 a short distance above the locking lugs 70, 70 as shown in FIG. 4A. The vanes 80-are arranged to transversely engage the opposing inside edges of the latch plates 62, 62 when the stem member 18 is lowered relative to the housing member 13, whereby to force the latch plates 62, 62 apart sufficiently to allow the arms 65, 65 to drop into the notches 66, 66 and engage against the opposing inside edges of the latch plates 62, 62, whereby to hold the latch plates 62, 62 apart against the force of the biasing springs 63, 63 to thereafter allow the stem member 18 to be elevated, since the locking lug 70, 70 will no longer engage with the separated latch plates 62, 62. This allows the stem member 18 to be elevated to the position shown in FIG. 4A, for another attempt at raising the object, and when this occurs, the vanes 67, 67 engage against the arms 65, 65 and raise them to their non-operating positions as shown in FIG. 11. This releases the latch plates 62, 62 for subsequent cooperation with the locking lugs 70, 70 if they should again be desired to disengage the tool from the object.

It will thus be seen that the latch plates 62, 62 will be held apart in non-operating positions by the action of the arms 65, 65 when the stem member 18 is allowed to descend relative to the housing member 13 to the position thereof shown in FIG. 3B. Thus, when this occurs, the lower portion of the tool, shown in FIG. 3C, can descend to engage an object 37 in the manner above-described and move the object toward a more vertical position by the action of the claw member 33, namely, to a position similar to that shown in FIG. 48. By then raising the stem member 18 by meansof cable 17, the grasping jaw 41 is moved to grasping position and the vanes 67, 67 are moved toward the positions thereof shown in FIG. 11, elevating the arms 65 and releasing the latch plates 62, 62. The object 37 can then be lifted out of the bore hole 38 by means of the cable 17, with the capability of releasing the object, if necessary, by means of the use of the lug member 70, 70 in the manner'above-described.

An object may be placed in a bore hole or other intended location by first engaging the object between the grasping jaw 41 and the serrations 45, and thereafter lowering the tool to place the object in the intended location. The grasping jaw 41 may then be released by lowering the stem member 18 sufficiently to bring the lug elements 70, 70 beneath the latch plates 62, 62 after which the tool may be raised, free of the object.

As will be seen in FIG. 11, the upward movement of the arm 65, 65 is limited by the provision of transverse stop elements 90 provided at' the upper outer corner portions of the pivot lugs 64.

As will be further seen from FIGS. 5 and 6, clearance ntches 91 are provided in the plate member 60 and 61 adjacent the stem member 18 to allow clearance for the vane members 70 and to permit the reset vane members 80 to descend sufficiently relative to the housing 13 to move the latch plates 62, 62-outwardly a sufiicient distance to permit reset arms 65, 65 to drop through the slots 66 sufficiently so that the outer ends of the arms 65 can abut the inner edges of the latch plates to hold them retracted when the stem member 18 is subsequently raised to place the endless flexible loop member 55 in tension, as above-described. FIGS. 3A and show the reset arms 65, 65 in horizontal latch plate-engaging positions, with the stem member 18 in its lower position relative to housing member 13. As above-explained, this is the reset position for the tool, and the reset arms 65, 65 will be held in this position until they are subsequently elevated to the positions of FIG. 11 by the engagement of the vane member 67, 67 therewith, as the stem member 18 is elevated to the ob ject-clamping position thereof shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B. As above-explained, when the stern member 18 is subsequently allowed to descend, for the purpose of releasing the object, the locking lugs 70, 70 can be engaged beneath the latch plates 62, 62, as shown in FIG. 9.

It will thus be seen that the tool reset means comprises the reset cam elements cooperating with the latch plates 62, 62 in the manner illustrated in FIGS. 3A and 5, in combination with the reset holding arms 65, 65. The reset action occurs when the stem member 18 is in its lowermost position in housing 13, namely, when downward movement thereof relative to housing 13 is limited by the abutment of the lug members 22, 22 with the flange elements 23, 23 as shown in FIG. 3A.

In using the tool, it may be lowered into a bore hole with the stem member 18 in the position shown in FIG. 9, namely, with the latch lugs 70, 70 engaged beneath the latch plates 62, 62 whereby the housing 13 may be supported by cable 17 as the tool is being lowered. When the bottom of the bore hole is reached, the object 37 has been moved into substantially centered position beneath the tool,'as above-described, by the action of the member 33, the stem member 18 may be further lowered relative to the housing 13 to cause the cam elements 80, 80 to retract the latch plates 62, 62 and allow them to become locked in retracted position by the action of the dog arms 65, 65, as abovedescribed. Thereafter, the stem 18 is raised by means of the cable 17 to clamp the object 37 in the manner illustrated in FIG. 4B and to allow the release vanes 67, 67 to elevate the arms 65, 65 and release the latch plates 62, 62, as above-described, and as illustrated in FIGS. 4A and 11. This allows the tool 12 and the object 37 to be raised out of the bore hole by means of the cable 17.

When lowering an object by means of the tool, it is lowered towards final position by means of cable I7, and thereafter the grasping jaw 41 is released in the manner abovedescribed, namely, by allowing the stem member 18 to descend relative to the housing 13 to allow the lugs 70, 70 to'become engaged beneath the latch plates 62, 62 in the manner shown in FIG. 9, after which the tool can be lifted free of the object.

The above-described apparatus may be used for loading, unloading and moving objects on, above, or be neath ground level, using the same latching and releasing action as above-described. Other lower sections may be connected at joint 29 for f shing, setting, moving, lifting, loading or unloading various objects, and other middle and lower sections may be connected at the joint 101 for loading, unloading, hoisting or moving objects from one place or level to another.

While a specific embodiment of an improved setting and fishing tool has been disclosed in the foregoing description, it will be understood that various modifications within the spirit of the invention may occur to those skilled in the art of fishing, loading, hoisting and setting objects. Therefore, it is intended that no limitations be placed on the invention except as defined by the scope of the appended claims.

What is claimed is:

1. A setting and fishing tool for use in oil wells, water wells, caverns, bores, pits, bodies of water, mining shafts, or the like, and for use at, above, or below ground surface level, comprising a housing, a stem member slidably mounted in said housing, a single supporting cable secured to said stem member and extending upwardly through the top end of said housing, the bottom end of the housing having an opening at one side thereof, an object-engaging centering claw member pivoted in said opening and having means to engage an object in the bottom of a well, or other location, and move the object into the housing responsive to downward movement of the claw member against the object, a grasping jaw pivoted in the housing upwardly adjacent said claw member, and means connecting said grasping jaw to said stem member and swinging said grasping jaw inwardly responsive to upward movement of the stem member relative to the housing.

2. The setting and fishing tool of claim 1, and means to at times latch the stem member in a position wherein it cannot move upwardly relative to the housing sufficiently to swing said grasping jaw inwardly.

3. The setting andfishing tool of claim 2, and wherein said latch means is rendered operative responsive to downward movement of the stem member relative to the housing.

4. The setting andfishing tool of claim 3, and wherein said latch means comprises a spring-biased horizontally movable latch plate slidably mounted in the housing and a latch lug on the stem member shaped and located so as to engage the latch plate and move thereunder responsive to said downward movement of the stem member relative to the housing.

5. The setting and fishing tool of claim 4, and means to lock the latch plate in a retracted position when the tool has been lowered, and means to deactivate said locking means when thestem member is subsequently raised.

6. The setting and fishing tool of claim 5, and wherein said locking means comprises a gravity-biased arm pivoted in the housing, the stem member being provided with a cam element which retracts the latch plate when the stem member is in a lowered position in the housing, said arm being then engagable with the latch plate to hold it retracted, said deactivating means comprising a vane element on the stem member below the cam element which is subsequently movable upwardly with the stem member to elevate the arm and release the latch plate.

7. The setting and fishing tool of claim 6, and wherein said latch lug is located on the stern member between said cam element and said vane element.

8. The setting and fishing tool of claim 4, and means biasing the object-engaging centering claw member outwardly.

9. The setting and fishing tool of claim 1, and wherein the grasping jaw is directed inwardly and is pivoted at its bottom end to the housing and wherein the means connecting the grasping jaw to the stem member comprises an endless flexible loop member connecting the bottom end of the stem member, the top end of the grasping jaw, and a portion of the housing located above and substantially diametrically opposite the pivotal connection of the grasping jaw.

10. The setting and fishing tool of claim 9, and wherein rollers are provided on the bottom end of the stem member, the top end of the grasping jaw and said portion of the housing, said flexible endless loop member being engaged around said rollers.

11. The setting and fishing tool of claim 9, and wherein the wall portion of the housing opposite the grasping jaw is formed with gripping serrations cooperable with the grasping jaw to grip an object therebetween. 7

12. The setting and fishing tool of claim 9, and wherein the wall portion of the housing opposite the grasping'jaw and the grasping jaw are both formed with gripping serrations to grip an object therebetween.

13. The setting and fishing tool of .claim 1, wherein the centering claw member is provided with a pair of downwardly diverging, downwardly and inwardly inclined finger elements.

14. A setting and fishing tool comprising a housing, a stem member slidably mounted in said housing, a single supporting and operating cable secured to said stem member and extending upwardly through the top end of said housing, grasping means in the housing operatively connected to said stem member, the bottom end of the housing having an opening at one side thereof, and an object-engaging centering claw member pivoted in said opening and having a pair of downwardly diverging, downwardly and inwardly inclined finger elements to engage an object in the bottom of a well or other location, and move the object into the housing responsive to downward movement of the claw member against the object.

15. A setting and fishing tool as recited in claim 14, adapted to be used for moving, hoisting, loading or unloading objects from above ground level or from ground surface level-to the same or other level and being adapted for use with booms, cranes, derricks, or the like, the tool being provided with means to at times latch the stem member in a position wherein it cannot move upwardly relative to the housing, and means to release said latch means. I

16. A setting and fishing tool as recited in claim 15, and wherein the housing has a separate lower portion which may be replaced by another portion having another fishing tool, loading apparatus, claw member, grab member, or the like, and wherein the tool may be tem. 

1. A setting and fishing tool for use in oil wells, water wells, caverns, bores, pits, bodies of water, mining shafts, or the like, and for use at, above, or below ground surface level, comprising a housing, a stem member slidably mounted in said housing, a single supporting cable secured to said stem member and extending upwardly through the top end of said housing, the bottom end of the housing having an opening at one side thereof, an object-engaging centering claw member pivoted in said opening and having means to engage an object in the bottom of a well, or other location, and move the object into the housing responsive to downward movement of the claw member against the object, a grasping jaw pivoted in the housing upwardly adjacent said claw member, and means connecting said grasping jaw to said stem member and swinging said grasping jaw inwardly responsive to upward movement of the stem member relative to the housing.
 2. The setting and fishing tool of claim 1, and means to at times latch the stem member in a position wherein it cannot move upwardly relative to the housing sufficiently to swing said grasping jaw inwardly.
 3. The setting and fishing tool of claim 2, and wherein said latch means is rendered operative responsive to downward movement of the stem member relative to the housing.
 4. The setting and fishing tool of claim 3, and wherein said latch means comprises a spring-biased horizontally movable latch plate slidably mounted in the housing and a latch lug on the stem member shaped and located so as to engage the latch plate and move thereunder responsive to said downward movement of the stem member relative to the housing.
 5. The setting and fishing tool of claim 4, and means to lock the latch plate in a retracted position when the tool has been lowered, and means to deactivate said locking means when the stem member is subsequently raised.
 6. The setting and fishing tool of claim 5, and wherein said locking means comprises a gravity-biased arm pivoted in the housing, the stem member being provided with a cam element which retracts the latch plate when the stem member is in a lowered position in the housing, said arm being then engagable with the latch plate to hoLd it retracted, said deactivating means comprising a vane element on the stem member below the cam element which is subsequently movable upwardly with the stem member to elevate the arm and release the latch plate.
 7. The setting and fishing tool of claim 6, and wherein said latch lug is located on the stem member between said cam element and said vane element.
 8. The setting and fishing tool of claim 4, and means biasing the object-engaging centering claw member outwardly.
 9. The setting and fishing tool of claim 1, and wherein the grasping jaw is directed inwardly and is pivoted at its bottom end to the housing and wherein the means connecting the grasping jaw to the stem member comprises an endless flexible loop member connecting the bottom end of the stem member, the top end of the grasping jaw, and a portion of the housing located above and substantially diametrically opposite the pivotal connection of the grasping jaw.
 10. The setting and fishing tool of claim 9, and wherein rollers are provided on the bottom end of the stem member, the top end of the grasping jaw and said portion of the housing, said flexible endless loop member being engaged around said rollers.
 11. The setting and fishing tool of claim 9, and wherein the wall portion of the housing opposite the grasping jaw is formed with gripping serrations cooperable with the grasping jaw to grip an object therebetween.
 12. The setting and fishing tool of claim 9, and wherein the wall portion of the housing opposite the grasping jaw and the grasping jaw are both formed with gripping serrations to grip an object therebetween.
 13. The setting and fishing tool of claim 1, wherein the centering claw member is provided with a pair of downwardly diverging, downwardly and inwardly inclined finger elements.
 14. A setting and fishing tool comprising a housing, a stem member slidably mounted in said housing, a single supporting and operating cable secured to said stem member and extending upwardly through the top end of said housing, grasping means in the housing operatively connected to said stem member, the bottom end of the housing having an opening at one side thereof, and an object-engaging centering claw member pivoted in said opening and having a pair of downwardly diverging, downwardly and inwardly inclined finger elements to engage an object in the bottom of a well or other location, and move the object into the housing responsive to downward movement of the claw member against the object.
 15. A setting and fishing tool as recited in claim 14, adapted to be used for moving, hoisting, loading or unloading objects from above ground level or from ground surface level to the same or other level and being adapted for use with booms, cranes, derricks, or the like, the tool being provided with means to at times latch the stem member in a position wherein it cannot move upwardly relative to the housing, and means to release said latch means.
 16. A setting and fishing tool as recited in claim 15, and wherein the housing has a separate lower portion which may be replaced by another portion having another fishing tool, loading apparatus, claw member, grab member, or the like, and wherein the tool may be employed with or without booms, cranes, derricks, or the like, utilizing the same latching and releasing system. 